Constellations
Circinus constellation
Circinus was introduced in the 18th century by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille, who charted the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope. It represents a pair of drawing compasses of the kind used by surveyors and navigators, in keeping with Lacaille's fondness for scientific instruments; fittingly, Norma, the Set Square, and Triangulum Australe lie nearby. There are no myths attached to it. Circinus is one of the smallest constellations and sits right next to the bright stars Rigil Kentaurus and Toliman in Centaurus. Its own stars are faint, the brightest reaching around third to fourth magnitude. Of interest to professionals is the Circinus Galaxy, an active galaxy hidden behind the Milky Way. From Central Europe, Circinus always stays below the horizon.
The brightest stars in Circinus
| Star | HIP | Magnitude | Distance | Light set off | Name this star |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| α Cir | 71908 | 3.18 | 54 light years | around 1972 | Name this star: α Cir |
| β Cir | 74824 | 4.07 | 100 light years | around 1930 | Name this star: β Cir |
| γ Cir | 75323 | 4.48 | 449 light years | around 1580 | Name this star: γ Cir |
| ε Cir | 74837 | 4.85 | 408 light years | around 1620 | Name this star: ε Cir |
| δ Cir | 74778 | 5.04 | — | — | Name this star: δ Cir |
| θ Cir | 73129 | 5.08 | 1,510 light years | around AD 520 | Name this star: θ Cir |
| η Cir | 73776 | 5.16 | 276 light years | around 1750 | Name this star: η Cir |
| HIP 73036 | 73036 | 5.18 | 161 light years | around 1870 | Name this star: HIP 73036 |
| HIP 72131 | 72131 | 5.36 | 158 light years | around 1870 | Name this star: HIP 72131 |
| HIP 74941 | 74941 | 5.43 | — | — | Name this star: HIP 74941 |
| HIP 70492 | 70492 | 5.56 | 2,026 light years | around 0 BC | Name this star: HIP 70492 |
| HIP 75308 | 75308 | 5.65 | 132 light years | around 1890 | Name this star: HIP 75308 |
| HIP 69763 | 69763 | 5.72 | 1,305 light years | around AD 720 | Name this star: HIP 69763 |
| HIP 67664 | 67664 | 5.73 | 728 light years | around 1300 | Name this star: HIP 67664 |
| HIP 67942 | 67942 | 5.74 | 943 light years | around 1080 | Name this star: HIP 67942 |
Distances from the Hipparcos catalogue. For very distant stars they are uncertain – the year the light set off is therefore only a rough guide.
Frequently asked questions
When can you see the Circinus constellation?
Circinus is a southern constellation and never rises as seen from Central Europe. You can still name a star in it – it then shines for people in the southern hemisphere.
What is the brightest star in Circinus?
The brightest star in Circinus is α Cir with an apparent magnitude of 3.18, about 54 light years away.
Can I name a star in Circinus?
Yes – for free at Sternschenker. Our catalogue contains 40 naked-eye stars in Circinus. Pick one, give it a name and download your certificate as a PDF. The name is symbolic and not recognised by the IAU.
Which star will it be?
The sky is waiting. Naming your star takes about two minutes.
Name a star in Circinus